Gemini Is Undergoing a Major User Interface Overhaul and Is Actively Developing Its Agent Capabilities.
The Google Gemini app is undergoing significant changes in both design and functionality. At Google I/O 2026, the company announced updated Gemini models that will focus more on agent-based AI capabilities, allowing the assistant to send emails, add calendar events, and perform other actions on your behalf.
(Google emphasizes that all Agent features are intended to be used under your control, which will hopefully allay any fears that Agent will get out of control and, I don’t know, drain your bank accounts.) Here’s everything Google announced about the Gemini app updates during this year’s event.
Gemini has a new look.
Google announced a redesign of the Gemini app. The company calls it Neural Expressive, and it includes new animations, colors, typography, and updated haptic feedback. Another change: the Gemini Live conversational interaction feature is now integrated into the Gemini app. This means you can seamlessly switch from typing questions to speaking with AI.
There have also been changes to the voice chat mode, allowing you to communicate with Gemini at your own pace. This prevents unwanted interruptions and doesn’t force you to speak at a specific speed if you need more time to formulate your thoughts, as Google explains. Soon, you’ll also be able to ask Gemini to speak in regional dialects, which may provide a more personalized experience for some users.
I think the best part about neural expressive design is Google’s commitment to making Gemini more than just a wall of text. The company says Gemini will now display responses with images, interactive timelines, narrated videos, and dynamic graphics, rather than just huge blocks of text. This new design language is rolling out today and will be available on the web, Android, and iOS.
Transform Gemini into your own personal AI agent with Spark.
Gemini Spark is Google’s major move toward building AI-powered agent services. It transforms Gemini from a simple text generator into an assistant that can perform actions for you. This feature works even when your laptop or phone is turned off and can continue to run independently depending on your needs. Examples presented by Google at I/O 2026 include the ability to set up recurring tasks or triggers, such as scanning credit card statements to identify new or hidden subscription charges, reviewing meeting notes to create a polished Google Docs document summarizing the findings, and composing a cover letter to kick off a project. Google also claims you can teach Gemini Spark to track school project due dates and share them with your spouse, allowing you to keep track of your child’s schoolwork without checking their inbox every day.
It’s worth noting that Google has repeatedly emphasized that Spark works on your commands. You’ll have to choose which apps it can connect to, and it will only perform important actions with your explicit consent, whether it’s spending money or sending an email.
Gemini Spark will be available to Google AI Ultra subscribers in the US next week, but will be available to “trusted testers” this week. Google also announced that Gemini Spark will be coming to the Gemini app for macOS later this summer, allowing you to automate workflows related to local files on your computer.
Daily Brief creates a personalized morning digest for you.
The Gemini app will feature a new morning digest feature called Daily Brief, which is available only with a subscription. The service accesses your Gmail and calendar to provide an overview of your upcoming tasks. Google says this feature will prioritize your tasks based on your goals and suggest next steps. You can customize feedback from the AI service by liking or disliking it in the app. Daily Brief launches in the US today and will be available to Google AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra subscribers.
Turn ideas into cinematic videos with Omni.
In an attempt to fill the void left by OpenAI’s cancellation of the Sora project , Google is launching Gemini Omni, which allows you to combine text, images, and video to create videos . The company claims that Omni simplifies video editing using dialog-based inputs, such as replacing backgrounds or applying cinematic zoom effects. You’ll be able to upload videos from your photo gallery and use Omni to apply built-in templates to quickly create videos without the need for editing skills. You can also create your own AI avatar that looks and sounds just like you and add it to your videos.
This feature raises some ethical concerns, as it appears it would allow attackers to easily create deepfakes. While it’s nice to see video editing becoming more accessible, creating videos with real people’s faces is a gray area, and I hope Google has implemented robust protections against abuse. Gemini Omni begins rolling out today to Google AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra subscribers worldwide.